Climate Control from Your Phone

Developers created the device as a way to combat the city’s energy demands and problems. They believe the smart plug can keep people from running their air conditioners all day long in the hot summer months.

By becoming a smart plug user, residents can turn off their air conditioner from work if they accidentally left it on in the morning. They can also turn on their device prior to leaving work allowing them to walk into to a coolly-conditioned home.

The device also gives residents the opportunity to learn how much energy their particular system uses and how they can save money by monitoring their usage.

"We're definitely crossing over into segments of the population that normally did not care about energy efficiency, being drawn into it because it's a cool product," Shibata said. "It leaves a permanent impression, to the point where we hear about it from the consumer. It's been a great education tool for people."